Wallawwa

Sri Lanka , Negombo
NEGOMBO, Minuwangoda Road,Kotugoda
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50 reviews shown

6/10

Pleasant

04 Feb 2026

Barbara

The staff was fantastic. The room was comfortable, but dated and the furniture was worn. It wasn’t as nice as the price would suggest it should be.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2025

Marie therese

Perfect hotel on arriving to Sri Lanka

Perfect one night stay after long flight - excellent service and facilities- staff are great - very good place to relax and recharge
Excellent massage and great food

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

11 Feb 2025

David

Not Good Hotel
Dated

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2025

Clare

An absolutely exceptional hotel. Can’t fault it in any way. Truly beautiful hotel, staff are impeccable, spa is amazing and good is outstanding.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2024

Mohamed

Overall a great place to stay and great facilities. Service could have been a touch better especially at meal times.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2024

Harriet

Stunning oasis near Colombo - stunning gardens and pool, beautiful rooms and fantastic wellness program

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Aug 2024

Nicolas

Very nice property - all lost like a private estate. Ideal before / after a flight because not far from airport

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2023

Sachi

Beautiful hotel and friendly staff

The hotel and the suite was beautiful. The children loved the tour of the garden. Dinesh made our stay even more special! We hope to stay longer next time.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2023

David

Beautiful property, wish I could have stayed longer!

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Fabulous building, décor, furnishing and peaceful ambiance. An oasis down a dusty track.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2019

Turbo

Loved the place. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
The place is a great retreat, the architecture romantic colonial. Very good food.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

17 Nov 2019

Its a beautiful property in need of major refurbishment. Your met with a wall of ants crawling through out the hotel lobby as you check in, We had rented the Manbatton Suite with a private plunge pool their highest category. The suite when we entered was hot and you could instantly smell the dampness in the walls. The suite has 2 bedrooms as we where traveling with our son. We where shocked to see that the AC in his room had leakedand the floor was full of water. The plunge pool was very dirty and no one had cleaned it for a long time.
When my wife tried to use the coffe machine a lizard popped out to welcome her. We asked for a full refund and this was denied. The staff tried their best to accommodate us by giving us another room for my son to sleep in. The staff are super friendly and they really felt bad for us but it was out of their hands. On the other hand the food was very tasty and the gardens are beautiful.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

A truly special property

It really is superb. An old colonial manor, beautifully converted into a hotel, capped with fantastic service. The rooms were spacious, very comfortable, and very quiet. My only regret was I could only stay one night. When travel back Sri Lanka, I'd definitely stay here again.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

A boutique and tranquil experience, set in beautiful gardens and surrounds. 15 mins to the airport so a great place to start or end your trip in Sri Lanka. Our only regret is that we only had one night here at the end of our trip.
The staff are really friendly and helpful, great pool area, extensive board games, great food with wide variety available and the staff packed a generous breakfast for us when we had to leave at 5am to catch our flight.
The room was great, generous size and large bathroom and we had a private garden.
Would stay here again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Fantastic service and accomodation. Excellent location near the airport so would thoroughly recommend. Tourists need to come back and keep this country alive!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2019

Brodi

Beautiful rooms close to airport

Beautiful rooms and excellent food close to the Colombo airport! The property is exquisite !!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Very small and carefully thought out to very high standards . Could do with a gym though

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful, spacious hotel and lush gardens that are tucked away from the main road. Good dining facilities, a lovely outdoor pool and friendly staff.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Mar 2019

J A

Amazing post flight recovery retreat

The Wallawwa is a 20 minute taxi from Colombo Airport and I cannot imagine any better places to recover from a long haul flight. It is beyond 5*, another level to most hotels we have stayed at globally.

We arrived and immediately were given wet towels and papaya juice. We had a basic room as it was only a stop over for us but wow what a room. The bathroom was magnificent and the bedroom had everything you could wish for. The food was terrific and served by a highly attentive and happy team which promotes eco friendly values. Sitting on the terrace listening to some soft jazz was a highlight of the trip for me.

A great way to start our trip. It is one of several superb hotels in the teardrop group but gave no hint of it not being an individual entity. We couldn't recommend it any higher and would be back in a heartbeat if we could.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2019

KatharinaM

Beautiful place to sleep off the jetlag and adapt to climate. Definitely recommend 2-3 nights. ! night would have been too short, I followed the advice of other reviewers. Stunning location, beautiful clean and spacious rooms, delicious foods and juices. Very peaceful with a colonial atmosphere.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2018

Denise

Charming, peaceful with beautiful gardens . Very helpful and professional staff. Superb food. Thoroughly recommended

10/10

Exceptional

15 Oct 2018

Verified traveler

We had a fantastic stay at the Wallawwa. The property is stunning and its close proximity to teh airport was ideal. The rooms are really tastefully decorated and luxurious and the staff were all so welcoming and friendly. There is a really nice shop on site with the money raised going to a local Sri Lankan charity. We picked up some lovely cards and gifts. We had dinner and breakfast and both were delicious. We stayed on our honeymoon and the staff were fantastic and very congratulatory. Our only regret was not staying for longer than one night!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2018

Beautiful atmospheric hotel

The Wallawwa is a lovely place tucked in the jungle down a long narrow dirt road. Feels miles away from anywhere but its actually 20 mins from the airport. Lots of atmosphere & antiques & very friendly, helpful staff. Get them to pick you up from the airport because no one else knows where the place is. It isn't far but its hard to find.

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jan 2018

Imran

Nice hotel, really really poor service

The hotel itself is amazing - spectacular rooms (with patio) and garden, nice pool. My wife and I went for our honeymoon. The staff and service however is pretty mediocre, particularly for the facilities they have. The building is like a luxury resort, while the service is what you would expect in a youth hostel in Amsterdam or Paris. I should say, I told them it was our honeymoon beforehand and they decorated our bed and also offered u a complimentary cake. However this didn't compensate for the poor service.

The hotel is clearly understaffed and staff are not properly trained (4 different people asked me for my dinner order, it takes ages to get served, everything is slow, waiters are walking around confused, doubling up on tables while other tables are waiting, many staff are not friendly, reception never picks up the phone). It is a real pity because it ruins the spectacular hotel they have.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Aug 2017

Jane

Tranquility from Colombo

I started and ended a photography tour at this hotel. It is perfect to get over the long flight and to recharge after a busy 12 days on the go. Rooms are amazing, beds so comfortable. I used the spa and had a massage and facial which was lovely. They serve home made cakes and tea late afternoon. They also serve the best hoppers for breakfast - try them! Yes, it is expensive to stay here but worth it

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2017

Sue

An oasis

This is a lovely hotel, in close proximity to the airport, with great facilities and warm, welcoming and efficient staff. The food is great, and well priced. The grounds are superb. Rooms are a good size and the bathrooms are a haven (especially when compared to the usual Sri Lankan shower!).

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2017

Tara

Beautiful

Stayed on our last night in Sri Lanka as a stopover on the way to the airport. Can't remember exactly but it's about a 20 min drive. Hence can't comment on the local area and what's around. The hotel however is wonderful. Old colonial building tastefully renovated with great attention to detail. Food was also very good and reasonably priced. A real bit of luxury in great grounds. Would certainly recommend it.
Just as a side note - a made an error while booking the hotel, Hotels.com were less than helpful initially, but the hotel were amazing. Their level of customer service was exceptional.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jul 2017

Verified traveler

Lovely area and not far from the airport.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Jun 2017

Mr Cooper

Beautiful-colonial charm- close to airport.

Only stayed one night unfortunately on our w as y home. Would book again though as it was quite a unique hotel.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2017

Verified traveler

Great welcome to Sri Lanka, with outstanding food and service.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2017

Nathan

Great Surprise

This was such a nice surprise. Absolutely stunning building, design, landscaping, decoration: which is a shock given its proximity to the Colombo airport (and frankly, the only reason I booked it).

They've done a great job tastefully exposing the colonial bones of the original building and have made some thoughtful upgrades.

Staff couldn't have been kinder or more accomodating.

Food was great if you stick to Sri Lankan.

In terms of location, I have no idea if this place is convenient to anything other than the airport, which is a shame. It might make a nice jumping off point for Negombo but I didn't get a chance to visit. Prob a little too far in the country to serve as a base for exploring Colombo, but to be honest, you only need a day to see what Colombo has to offer.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2017

Stephanie

Decent stay for a short layover

I was only at the Wallawwa for a quick layover, so I cannot comment too much on the hotel. The airport transfer was a bit unorganized and caused some confusion. The room was large and comfortable. I would only stay here for a layover though..otherwise better to stay in Colombo or Negombo.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2016

Jacqui

Wonderful destination in itself.

Fantastic hotel, beautifully appointed and only 10 mins from airport. A real find.

6/10

Pleasant

17 Jun 2016

Roger

Disappointing stay

Unfortunately we have expected much more - everything is mediocre nothing special. Especially all the our pillow cases on the lounge and the chairs in our room were very dirty and we ask for new cover sheets. Also outside mostly all sitting accommodations were filthy too. Nevertheless all the staff were very friendly.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2016

Verified traveler

Great property in a beautiful location

Great location very close to the airport and perfect for a layover of any duration. Top notch hotel with a nice ambience in a beautiful country setting. Professional and very friendly staff. They are very genuine and really willing to assist with all your requests. Highly recommended for a short stay in Sri Lanka as centrally located to all the historic attractions in Colombo and Kandy as well as the tea country.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Feb 2016

Verified traveler

Oasis near the airport

We really enjoyed our brief stay at this impeccable boutique hotel. Room was spacious and modern, gardens were lovely and peaceful. Has a great facial in the spa. Delicious dinner and breakfast. We'll definitely return.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2015

Graham

Perfect Peace

This hotels situation is perfect for relaxing. Beautifully proportioned. Manicured gardens. Lots of on site amenity and spaces to move around. Super balance between convenient comforts and nature. The whole place is at ease wth itself. Staff seem pleased to be there. Food is very good too and they will go out of their way to accommodate any request it seems no matter how bespoke the requirement. Will call in again when next in Sri Lanka!

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2015

Marquee

Best hotel in SL for food, relax, tastefulness!

Great food, really calm and peaceful gardens, very friendly and attentive staff, tasteful décor and timely service

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2015

Mark

Wonderful stay. Hope to be back.

Beautiful hotel. Wonderful staff. Excellent service and great food.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2015

Isma

Beautiful hotel close to airport

Delicious food, amazing service clean rooms, highly recommend

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2015

FELD

Nice place near to Airport.

Arrived for the second time in Colombo and we did not expect as good as it is. It is pretty close to the airport and it is very nice. Bathrooms are large, beds are comfy, and the hotel is very up to date in facilities and comfort. It is a small \"hacienda\" colonial estate house with 25+ rooms, very calmed and nice.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2014

Matt

Best \"airport hotel\" you'll find anywhere

Check in staff were welcoming and gave quick orientation to the facilities. Like many smaller hotels, this has a unique character that makes staying here memorable and pleasant. The rooms are quite large - the bathroom was simply enormous - and best of all, it is peaceful.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2014

Verified traveler

Amazing.

Great place if you want to forget everything and just relax.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 Sep 2014

adrian

Beautiful hotel\n

Beautiful hotel, wonderful room and surroundings. Nice food. Beautiful evening tea which was free!
Only problem was Internet which was pathetic when you compared it to the rest of the hotel

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2014

Verified traveler

The best hotel experience

We couldn't fault it. How's that! Truly! Even we are surprised to be writing such a comment.We were picked up from the airport in the Wallawwa Van driven by your very charming, trustworthy and safe driver (always appreciated) and delivered to your residence via the lush driveway.Congratulations to management for 'nailing it' in every way. Interior decoration is beautiful. Staff friendliness and attention- perfect.BEST breakfast, BEST afternoon tea, BEST FRESH COOKED FARE, the most relaxing and aesthetically pleasing swimming pool, delightful bunch of fellow guests...............no I haven't been paid to write this.I will certainly return and recommend your heavenly haven to all of my friends. It is so good when someone gets it so 'right'. And The Wallawwa certainly has!

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2025

Roman

Jederzeit wieder

Tolles Team und tolles Hotel in der Nähe vom Flughafen. Early check-out und Transfer zum Flughafen hat 1a geklappt!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Oct 2023

Philipp

Lovely

Lovely hotel, great food, excellent stay. Only point to note was that they wanted to charge USD40 for the 18 min airport transfer which is just too much.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2018

Heidi

Gutes Hotel vor oder nach Rundreise in Sri Lanka

Bevor wir nach einer 3-wöchigen Rundreise wieder nach Hause flogen, haben wir zwei Nächte im Wallawwa ausgeruht. Sehr grosse Suite, leider ohne Aussicht, links und rechts Betonmauern und ein Bambusstrauch. Nicht wirklich, was man sich von einer gardensuite vorstellt. Service war top, sehr freundliches Personal, im Restaurant und im Spa. Hilfe von der Reception wegen Probleme beim Flug war ausserordentlich , danke.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

自然に囲まれた良い雰囲気のリゾートホテルです。
ホテルの方々もすごく親切で、幸せな気分になりました。
また、スリランカに来たときは、ゆっくり過ごしたいです。

8/10

Excellent

08 Nov 2016

コルマ

ホテル敷地が大きく特に敷地内で野菜果物も作りホテルに供している
全ての設備が空間を余裕をもたせて作られてユッタリ感があり、機能も適切に考えられていた。